Ukrainian drones strike key military facilities up to 1,500 km inside Russia

Defense Express reported the information.

In a significant escalation of Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities, long-range drones struck deep into Russian territory overnight on April 4–5, hitting defense-related industrial sites hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Among the targets was Optic Fiber Systems in Saransk — Russia’s only manufacturer of fiber optic cables used in military drones. Video footage of the aftermath was shared by local Telegram channels and confirmed by Mordovia’s regional governor.

The factory reportedly produces up to 4 million kilometers of fiber annually, a vital component for Russia’s battlefield drone operations. While no casualties were reported, the extent of the damage remains unclear.

Another strike hit an industrial site in Chapaevsk, Samara region. Although local authorities did not specify the facility, open sources suggest it may be the Promsintez plant, which produces over 30,000 tons of explosives annually. The area is also home to the Polymer factory, known for similar output.

Russian media acknowledged the attacks and expressed concern over the drones’ range — potentially up to 1,500 km — and their ability to bypass air defenses by avoiding direct flight paths. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry claimed it had intercepted 49 drones overall, though only a handful were officially noted over the affected regions.

• On the night of April 5, Russia reported a drone attack on several regions. In particular, industrial facilities in the Samara region and the Republic of Mordovia came under strike.